Texas Tech reinstates Nigel Bethel, who punched women's hoops star

Jul. 16, 2014
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Texas Tech

by USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY

by USA TODAY Sports, USA TODAY

Texas Tech announced in a news conference Wednesday night that it had reinstated highly regarded freshman defensive back Nigel Bethel, who had been dismissed following an altercation in a pickup basketball game.

Bethel was caught on video punching women's basketball player Amber Battle, breaking her jaw, in an incident on June 28 at the Texas Tech Student Recreation Center.

"This is an unfortunate situation with a unique set of circumstances, and there are no winners," athletic director Kirby Hocutt said in a statement on the school's website. "Every decision related to this case has been the right one at that particular time based upon our principles, student-athlete code of conduct and team rules."

Bethel will be required to sit out the first three games of the season.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to come back to Texas Tech," Bethel said. "I take full responsibility for my actions and I would like to let everyone know that this won't happen again. It's not who I am and I am sorry for the embarrassment this has caused. I want to thank Amber Battle for accepting my apology and for coming forward to say that I deserved a second chance. I would like to thank everyone at Texas Tech, including the coaches, for believing in me and giving me a second chance to show my ability and to receive an education from Texas Tech."

Battle, a senior, has been suspended for the month of November for her role in the incident.

"I'm relieved that Nigel is receiving a second chance because I believe in second chances," said Battle. "We were both at fault in this situation and I believe our punishment should be equal. This is a good opportunity for us to learn from our mistakes and I think we both have. Hopefully now we can move forward and focus on helping our teams compete at the highest level."

Bethel, who faced felony charges, was cleared of wrongdoing by a grand jury on Tuesday.